Probang

A probang is a surgical tool 30 to 40 cm long consisting of a flexible rod with a sponge in the end used to remove foreign bodies or obstructions from the oesophagus. Its invention is credited to Walter Rumsey (1584-1660), who invented it in the 17th century. Rumsey's probang was originally made using a long, slender rod of whalebone. A piece of sponge was attached to one end and the tool which was used to push foreign bodies (lodged in the oesophagus) into the stomach.